Drivers door locked and will not unlock

2001 FORD ESCAPE
171,000 MILES • 4.0L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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RUSS RICHARDS
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Hello, the drivers door is locked and will not unlock. It makes a noise like it is going to unlock but it dose not. I have tried the key fob and also the key to unlock it and no success. The door handle on the outside of the vehicle has no tension on it. Need some help if you can please.
Jun 27, 2018 at 2:24 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello, I am Danny.

It sounds like you have either a broken outer door handle or door actuator. The door handle itself uses mechanical linkage to lock/unlock door and the door actuator is an electrical plunger to move the mechanical linkage via your key fob. You are going to have to remove the door panel to check and see what is broken.
Jun 27, 2018 at 8:21 PM
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RUSS RICHARDS
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Danny L, the door is locked and will not open I need to get the door open to take the door panel off so that is what I am needing. That is what my problem is so if you could help me there that would be great also.
Jun 28, 2018 at 8:32 PM
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DANNY L
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Danny here.
Oh okay, well I am going to have to do some research. Off the top of my head maybe a slim jim/lock out kit to slid through window crack to manipulate/grab the linkage to open door. Let me research and get back to you.
Danny-
Jun 28, 2018 at 10:04 PM
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STRAILER
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If the lock actuator is locked up which happens you will need to remove the door panel which includes removing the driver's seat which can be difficult with the door closed. I have seen my guys remove both passenger and drivers seat to gain access. To the door panel. Once the seat is removed. Here is a guide to help you remove the door panel and diagrams below on what to do from there:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/door-panel-removal

You see that level on the last diagram this is the one you must work to get the door open.

Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken
Jun 29, 2018 at 2:10 PM
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DANNY L
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Hello Danny here.

Apparently the only way you are going to be able to open the door is by using a Slim-jim to try to hook/capture the linkage inside the door through the window opening to unlock the door. Might be a little easier with the window rolled down. Hope this helps and good luck!
Danny-
Jun 29, 2018 at 4:06 PM